Techno-Runt Duo

Mantis Knives’ Stubby MT Tacticals Are Long On Looks

Short, stubby knives, or “runts,” have been all the rage in tactical knife circles lately. So it was only a matter of time before Jared West, founder of Mantis Knives, added his futuristic thinking to the fray. West built Mantis by filling a void in the tactical knife market, offering designs with youthful, “hi-tech” appeal, and building his customer base through the Internet.

Mantis’ techno-runts come in two models: The MT-9 sporting a wicked clipped Wharncliff blade, and the MT-9r dressed out in a more traditional drop point. The blades are 2.5″ in length and roll out via ambidextrous radiused cutouts just fore of their spines, which also incorporate notching for added purchase. Blade steel is 440-V stainless and lock-up is provided by a sturdy line-lock mechanism inside the handle. The handles (identical on both knives) are pure Mantis. The scales, made from machined, black, G10 composite, are a bionic blend of channels and angles. Milled cutouts (which actually serve as index finger and palm grooves) and bright red anodized pivots reinforce the futuristic character of the handles. The MT’s pocket clips can be mounted on the front or backside (see photo) for right- or left-hand carry.

In true runt fashion, the Mantis MT folders are overbuilt. The blades are made of thick .18″ (3/16″) thick steel and handles are a full 1/2″ thick. All this in a package only 5.25″ fully opened. Think of a Mantis MT as a knife with the guts of a sturdy tactical folder that fits in the palm of your hand. The price is right on these cool little meanies — only 65 clams! If you like tricked out handguns, this is your knife!